Google announced today that HTTPS connection will always be used when a person checks his/her mail. This means that no one will be able to listen your messages when they are moving to and from the Gmail server. This HTTPs connection will not be affected even if someone is using a public WiFi or logging in from either a computer, phone or tablet.

"..every single email message you send or receive—100% of them—is encrypted while moving internally. This ensures that your messages are safe not only when they move between you and Gmail's servers, but also as they move between Google's data centers—something we made a top priority after last summer’s revelations."

"Of course, being able to access your email is just as important as keeping it safe and secure. In 2013, Gmail was available 99.978% of the time, which averages to less than two hours of disruption for a user for the entire year. Our engineering experts look after Google's services 24x7 and if a problem ever arises, they're on the case immediately. We keep you informed by posting updates on the Apps Status Dashboard until the issue is fixed, and we always conduct a full analysis on the problem to prevent it from happening again."

Google also provides security tips to users through their online Security Center. These tips help many people to stay safe online.